Grip extension linkage to provide gripping tool with improved operational range, and method of use of the same
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A grip extension linkage combination, comprising:
- a gripping tool having axial load or stroke activated radial gripping elements;
a grip extension linkage, the grip extension linkage comprising;
at least one annular body having a central internal bore and a peripheral external surface;
rigid elongated spokes in contact with the radial gripping elements of the gripping tool on a first side and carrying an extended grip surface on a second side opposing the first side; and
spoke guides on the at least one annular body, the spoke guides being in close fitting relation with the spokes to constrain the spokes from axial rotation or rolling while allowing them to move radially from a retracted position to an engaged position in response to movement of the radial gripping elements of the gripping tool.
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Abstract
A grip extension linkage to provide a gripping tool having radial gripping elements with an improved operational range. The grip extension linkage includes at least one annular body having a central internal bore and an peripheral external surface. There is provided rigid elongated spokes. Spoke guides are provided on the annular body. The spoke guides are in close fitting relation with the spokes to constrain the spokes while allowing them to move radially from a retracted position to an engaged position.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A grip extension linkage combination, comprising:
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a gripping tool having axial load or stroke activated radial gripping elements; a grip extension linkage, the grip extension linkage comprising; at least one annular body having a central internal bore and a peripheral external surface; rigid elongated spokes in contact with the radial gripping elements of the gripping tool on a first side and carrying an extended grip surface on a second side opposing the first side; and spoke guides on the at least one annular body, the spoke guides being in close fitting relation with the spokes to constrain the spokes from axial rotation or rolling while allowing them to move radially from a retracted position to an engaged position in response to movement of the radial gripping elements of the gripping tool. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of improving the operational range of a gripping tool, comprising:
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providing a grip extension linkage, comprising; at least one annular body having a central internal bore and a peripheral external surface; rigid elongated spokes; and spoke guides on the at least one annular body, the spoke guides being in close fitting relation with the spokes to constrain the spokes while allowing them to move radially from a retracted position to an engaged position; positioning one of a work piece or a cylindrical gripping tool within the central internal bore of the at least one annular body and the other of the work piece or the cylindrical gripping tool around the peripheral external surface of the at least one annular body, with the spokes being disposed in an annular space between the gripping elements of the gripping tool and the work piece, with a first end of each of the spokes engaging the gripping elements and a second end of each of the spokes either directly or indirectly engaging the work piece; and moving the gripping elements of the gripping tool radially to apply pressure on the first end of each of the spokes, the spokes moving radially from a retracted position to an extended position and acting as radial extensions of the gripping elements of the gripping tool. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of improving the operational range of a gripping tool, comprising:
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providing a gripping tool having axial load or stroke activated radial gripping elements; providing a grip extension linkage, comprising; at least one annular body having a central internal bore and a peripheral external surface; rigid elongated spokes; and spoke guides on the at least one annular body, the spoke guides being in close fitting relation with the spokes to constrain the spokes while allowing them to move radially from a retracted position to an engaged position; positioning one of a work piece or a cylindrical gripping tool within the central internal bore of the at least one annular body and the other of the work piece or the cylindrical gripping tool around the peripheral external surface of the at least one annular body, with the spokes being disposed in an annular space between the gripping elements of the gripping tool and the work piece, with a first end of each of the spokes engaging the gripping elements and a second end of each of the spokes either directly or indirectly engaging the work piece; applying an axial load or stroke to move the gripping elements of the gripping tool radially such that the gripping elements apply pressure on the first end of each of the spokes, the spokes moving radially from a retracted position to an extended position and acting as radial extensions of the gripping elements of the gripping tool. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification